I can't believe what a difference the type of batting can make
 

So I am pretty new at this. I have just finished my 5th quilt. The first four I just used the cheap poly batting. I always had problems with basting and could not fmq at all without loops on the bottom. Those things alone were making it so not fun that I don't think I would have ever made another one.

So on this last one I used 80/20 and I am so happy at how much more smoothly everything went. Even basting was such a different experience. The batting really seemed to "grip" the top and make it so I could pin without the entire top feeling it was shifting every time I touched it. Then I gave another go at fmq on some practice sandwiches and it worked perfectly. So I am doing a meander thing on this last one and it looks so good. No issues with the "eyelashes" on the back at all. (After this I tested on another practice piece with the poly batting and sure enough, loops everywhere.)

I'm so glad I tried it!

That's very interesting...I'll definitely keep that in mind...thanks!

I have become a dream wool person! I love it!

Great to know! Thanks for sharing that. I see lots more quilts in your future!!

Good for you! Keep quilting...it is so much fun!

you should get some "samples" of the various types of batting out there and find your fav. I like warm and nat. but love bamboo. I have never tried the polly batting. just to worried about the melting factor in it.

any of the batts from the Dream company are a real joy to use- the dream green, dream poly (lots different than the poly you were using i promise) , dream cotton, dream wool, dream bamboo...
also try warm & natural---there are many wonderful batts on the market- just be sure to read the packaging so you know how far apart you need to quilt your project- and the care instructions---it will open a whole new world for you-and really take your quilting to a new level :)

I really prefer the cotton batts. They are so much easier to work with.

I love Quilter's Dream Cotton. It is great to work with.